Meet Our Instructors
Rhythm Stegent
Junior Instructor - Drums, Guitar
Rhythm Stegent teaches drums and guitar at Brenham Music Academy. A dedicated musician for over eight years, he has participated in music theory programs, piano ensembles, adjudicated performances, and numerous recitals. This year marks his first as an instructor, where he brings enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and a passion for helping students grow in their musical journey.
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Mark Amelang
Junior Instructor - Piano
Mark Amelang is a talented 17-year-old pianist and our newest Junior Instructor. With over a decade of study, he has earned 11 consecutive gold medals in the Texas Music Teachers Association Theory Test and has performed in numerous adjudicated events, including All-Star, Guild, and Solo Festival. Mark consistently impresses judges with his musicality and technical precision. His enthusiasm for music and natural ability to connect with younger students make him a valued and inspiring member of our teaching staff.
Dr. Daniel Johnson
Senior Instructor - Voice, Piano
Daniel Johnson, lyric baritone, D.M.A., completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Utah (2018), where he studied vocal performance and vocology. Dr. Johnson, professional vocalist, vocal pedagogue and coach, has taught privately and at the collegiate level for over fifteen years. In 2017, he became a certified vocologist through the National Center for Voice and Speech's Summer Vocology Institute. An experienced music theory and aural skills trainer, Daniel joined the voice faculty at Blinn College in January 2019 and currently assists with the choral, opera, and music theory programs and has experience teaching class piano. He maintains a thriving private voice studio, both at the college and independently. Dr. Johnson has conducted choirs at the collegiate level for over fifteen years and currently is the Assistant Choir Director at Blinn College. Dr. Johnson conducts the choirs and plays organ at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In addition, he is the organist for the Brenham Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choir. Well-known for his concert work, he has performed with the University’s Baroque Student Music Group, with whom he presented the Utah première of Die Andere Kaffeekantate composed by a contemporary of J. S. Bach. A passionate song recitalist, and operatic vocalist, Dr. Johnson most recently has presented programs such as An Evening of Mahler, An Exchange Across the Pond featuring works by Finzi, Vaughan Williams, Musto, and Heggie. He has performed Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs with Blinn College’s combined choirs and chamber musicians and A Lincoln Portrait with the Blinn College Wind Ensemble. Most recently, he performed a concert of Masterworks from the Italian and French Baroque with soprano Adele Johnson and Blinn College instrumental faculty in 2023. Dr. Johnson performed several operatic roles with the University of Utah’s Lyric Opera Ensemble, including Ebenezer Scrooge in the 2016 world première of Michael Leavitt’s A Christmas Carol, with a reprise in the 2017 season. He most recently performed Sam from Trouble in Tahiti and The Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood with Blinn College Opera Workshop and Papageno and Dr. Pangloss in the Fall 2023 Opera Scenes Showcase. In his 2018 capstone recital, Dr. Johnson collaborated with the University of Utah’s, Opera Workshop, to present a chronological and historical examination of Leonard Bernstein’s compositions and his effect on American culture. Dr. Johnson’s dissertation specifically examines the unique influence on American music and culture in the modern opera, Trouble in Tahiti: Bernstein’s American Opera. This capstone concert and opera production was reprised with Blinn College Choirs and Opera in February 2023 with mezzo-soprano Mandi Barrus. Daniel Johnson currently resides in Brenham, Texas, with his wife, Adele, and their four sons.
Cheryl Amelang
Senior Instructor - Piano
Cheryl has been teaching piano for over 40 years and founded the Brenham Music Academy with her husband Andrew in 2001. Cheryl grew up playing in Guild, accompanied choirs, played for church, started a band when she was fourteen years old, and was very active in the community with her gifts, as she still is today. Cheryl has always loved connecting with God through her music. Cheryl has a unique ability to sight read and improvise her own compositions and arrangements. When Cheryl plays, people are touched and speak of the healing and encouragement they receive. Cheryl's vision for Brenham Music Academy is "To raise up well-rounded and skilled musicians that are gifted by God to play as soloists as well as with other musicians worshipping God with creativity and spontaneity." She has also released three solo piano CD's, one that is a collection of original songs presented in an instrumental format ("Alabaster Box") and one that is her arrangement of some of her favorite worship songs ("Refuge") and ("Hymns from My Heart") You can listen to Cheryl's music on Spotify, itunes, Amazon and hard copies are available at Brenham Music Academy. Cheryl was an accompanist for the Blinn College Choirs from 2001 to 2020, principal pianist for Brazos Valley Symphony from 2012-2020, and interim music director, worship leader, and pianist for many church ministries for over 40 years. Cheryl is available for concerts, women's ministry events, retreats, and conferences. She shares a story with her song improvisations and original arrangements that are encouraging, uplifting, and healing. Mrs. Amelang is President of the Brenham Area Music Teachers Association (BAMTA), former Ensemble Coordinator for the Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA), and a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the National Guild of Piano Teachers. At BMA, Cheryl is a senior instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience and a teacher of teachers. Cheryl loves to help adult musicians get to a place of skill and freedom in their music to better worship God and to help others find healing through their gift of music.
Dakri Brown
Standard Instructor - Voice, Piano
Dakri Brown was born and raised in Brenham, Texas. He has traveled extensively to over 35 countries worldwide and lived abroad in the UK. With over 20 years full time professional music experience, Dakri was a Backing Vocalist/Vocal Arranger for the multi-Grammy Award Winning Israel & New Breed for 9 years, Vocal Director for Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church for 5 years, and Vocal Director for Hillsong Church London for 4 years. He is currently the music director at the Covenant Praise Center in Chappell Hill.
Deborah Bridgewater
Standard Instructor - Piano, Guitar, Violin, Ukelele, Banjo, Cello, Mandolin
Deborah Bridgewater is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist with a passion for teaching a wide range of string instruments, including guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and bass fiddle. Inspired by a musical upbringing, Deborah started playing piano at age four, later expanding into Bluegrass and performing alongside her father at music festivals and private events. Over the years, Deborah has had the privilege of learning from and playing with many influential musicians. An award-winning artist, Deborah Bridgewater has been inducted into the National Old Time Country and Bluegrass Hall of Fame and received several prestigious honors, including the Rising Legend Award and Traditional Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year. In addition to teaching, Deborah has produced and recorded both personal albums and projects for other artists.
Rick Shelby
Standard Instructor - Guitar, Bass
Rick Shelby is a seasoned musician, performer, and instructor bringing decades of experience to the Brenham Music Academy. Having picked up his first instrument at the age of 5, Rick’s lifelong passion for music has led him to master both guitar and bass across a wide range of genres — from gospel, rock, and jazz to funk, R&B, blues, and more. Rick has served as a dedicated worship musician since childhood, and continues to play regularly in church settings, recording studios, and live performances with multiple bands. As a professional studio musician, he brings not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of musicality, groove, and stage presence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, Rick’s patient, personalized approach to teaching helps students develop confidence, creativity, and strong foundational technique. His lessons are open to all ages and skill levels, with instruction tailored to the individual student’s goals — whether that’s learning to jam, join a band, play in church, or record in the studio.
Neil Amelang
Standard Instructor - Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums
Starting his musical journey at the age of five with piano and drums, and expanding to bass at twelve, Neil is deeply committed to education. He actively supports and encourages young musicians striving to impact the world. Neil has been teaching multiple instruments at BMA since 2018, including piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Neil has played with his brother' band Kites and is also pursuing a career as an independent artist. Neil plays on the worship teams of many local churches.
Joyce Brown
Standard Instructor - Piano
Joyce has been happily teaching piano, theory, and group lessons at Brenham Music Academy for over nine years. She has a BA degree with a minor in Early Childhood Education and has completed a number of music classes at Blinn College. In addition, each summer she enjoys attending professional development and continuing music education workshops. In addition to her studio teaching, Joyce also accompanies the Brenham Middle School choir, plays accompaniments for the Junior High band solo contest, and plays keyboard for the First United Methodist Church Celebration service and Community Bible Study. Joyce is a member of Brenham Area Music Teachers Association, Texas Music Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association, and the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Currently she serves as the Treasurer and Ensemble Chairman of BAMTA. Joyce enjoys teaching students of all ages, from kindergarten to adults. Her goal is to give her students as many different musical experiences as possible, not only to help them become better musicians but also to enhance their love for music and experience the joy of sharing music with others.
Ann Winston
Standard Instructor - Piano
Ms. Ann has been teaching at Brenham Music Academy for 13 years. As a creative teacher, Ms. Ann helps her students to have fun while they are learning. She is a gifted teacher and specializes in early elementary and beginning piano studies. Ann is also a skilled collaborator and has been conducting piano ensemble groups for several years. Her volunteer work as an ensemble director is crucial to the success of our piano students and groups. In addition, Ann has been a member of Texas Music Teacher's Assocation for 13 years. She has served as the Student Affiliate Chair and Theory Chair for Texas Music Teachers' Association for our local division, Brenham Area Music Teacher's Association for 11 years.
Paul Amelang
Standard Instructor - Guitar, Drums, Piano
Paul has been playing music his whole life and has been teaching music lessons since 2010 at Brenham Music Academy. He has experience teaching all ages. Paul is the singer and guitarist for the band Kites, which he founded in 2018. Paul is a prolific songwriter and plays many styles on multiple instruments including jazz, blues, pop, rock, gospel, and classical music. In addition, Paul plays guitar the worship teams at New Life Church of God in Brenham and New Covenant Praise Center in Chappell Hill.